Not Quite Up to Par

Introduction
I chose the University of Tampa because of its ideal location and reputable Biology program. If you're seeking a place where you can have a lot of fun and get good grades without really trying, UT is perfect for you! On the other hand, if you are more serious, like myself, and would prefer to study in an environment where the majority of students surrounding are equally as serious, look to another university.

Campus Life and Social Life
My personal experience has been that the partiers here all belong to a sorority/fraternity. That being said, when I visited the school, they said that not many students "go Greek." Basically, if you want to party, join a sorority/fraternity. If you don't drink, there is a suprisingly high number of students who also don't drink. The town itself is very young and there's a lot of stuff to do, but there are also some pretty sketchy areas. Ybor City at night is not a safe place for younger people, especially girls. There is a topnotch aquarium nearby and two really nice malls. In short, if you want to find things to do, you won't really find anything on campus other than a pool. Make friends with people who have their cars or bring your own car down. Otherwise, you will constantly be bored out of your mind. Advertisement
Academics
The academics are not as rigorous as I had hoped they would be. My first year felt like a review of my senior year of high school. It was far too easy and the classes were dull. Even though the courses were easy, the homework load was ridiculous. Students of different majors have different amounts of work each night. My two roommates were business majors and never had homework. Being a Biology major, I constantly felt like I was swamped with work. The professors seemed to be pretty intelligent, but many were foreign and difficult to understand.

Student Body
The students here are what ruined it for me. The stereotypical girl here is overly tanned, blonde haired and rich. Not to mention the fact that they are incredibly rude. It is not uncommon to find students skipping class to go hang out by the pool all day. And they just camp out with their stuff spread all over the place taking up as many chairs as they can for their little "posses." The library is full of serious students, but there are also those who want to look like they are doing their work yet they proceed to talk loudly on their cell phones WHILE in the library.

In Closing...
The location of the school is spectacular...you can't beat Florida weather. But the academics are not quite up to par. Serious students, stay away from UT. Students who are looking for a great time without having to worry about a rigorous schedule, you'd do just fine here.